I usually go for the underdogs and after VCU's demise to UConn, I fixed my sights on the Bulldogs of Butler to prevail over the Huskies. The title game was a dogfight between pure breed canines. Wilting like a water-deprived camote during a drought, Butler disintegrated and recorded a futile-low 18.8 percent conversion from the field on 12-of-64 shooting. How do you expect to win games with these numbers?
Tight defense from both sides contributed to the awful shooting and record low scores, with UConn swatting away 10 of Butler's attempts to the basket. Depending on your perception of the game, it was not exactly your typical college ball. It was borderline ugly.
In perhaps the biggest games of their lives, Butler seniors Matt Howard and Shawn Vanzant combined for an anemic 3 for 23. These two guys usually produce big numbers and they chose the biggest moment in college basketball by playing a really bad game. The Bulldogs were really timid that even though the Huskies were shooting a woeful 34 percent from the field, they still managed to win by 12 points. Howard and Vanzant could be NBA-bound.
Let us not be fooled by Butler's low seeding. They are the model citizens for underdogs with their two consecutive NCAA title appearances (losing to Duke last year in the Finals). They may not have won it all but they have shown what collegiate basketball is all about - resiliency, selflessness and heart. If not for its ridiculously steep price, I would gladly get myself a real bulldog for a pet, to honor Butler's unbelievably incredible NCAA title run.
Not to take credit away from Connecticut, the win is the Huskies third NCAA crown under coach Jim Calhoun, who at 68 is the oldest NCAA coach to win a basketball title. He became the fifth coach in college basketball history to win at least three national titles. The others are John Wooden (11), Adolph Rupp (4), Mike Krzyzewski (4) and Bob Knight (3).
The Huskies succeeded where many teams have failed - they bullied the Bulldogs.
UConn's star player, Kemba Walker had a 5-of-19 shooting output but power forward Alex Oriakhi and up-coming team leader Jeremy Lamb combined for 23 points and 18 rebounds which marked the beginning of Butler's end.
Walker more than likely will declare his availability for the NBA Draft. In his absence, Lamb will be the perfect fit, with the championship poise he displayed.
Jeremy will be a meek Lamb no more. Next year, he will be UConn's raging Lion, ferociously defending the NCAA crown.
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Amar'e Stoudemire recently called Pau Gasol "still soft". I really don't care if Pau is fluffy or tender or whatever. The Spaniard has 2 NBA titles. What does Amar'e have to prove his toughness? Carmelo? Both can't even defend a refrigerator. Good friend and New York-based Rey Seno, a Knick diehard, will surely send me a litany declaring Amar'e and Melo's toughness. If being tough is showing your naked butt on the cover of a magazine, so be it.
Here comes Kendrick Perkins with the same declaration. Oh well. Soft is eliminating Amar'e in the playoffs while he was still in Phoenix last year. Soft is beating Perkins and the Celtics in last year's NBA Finals. Any more softies?
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LeBron James has expanded his interests overseas, specifically with the English Premiere League. He is now a minority owner of one of England's more successful football teams, Liverpool. I don't see him playing the game but he could be an imposing goalkeeper if he chooses football as his second career.